River Plate and Monterrey Rayados are set to face off in a historic and unprecedented clash, as both teams arrive with a clear shot at reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. The setting: the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a stadium that seats nearly 90,000 fans.

River Looking to Secure Their Spot in the Round of 16

The Argentine side, still boasting young talent Franco Mastantuono, come into the match full of confidence after a 3–1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in the opening round. A victory against Rayados would mathematically guarantee them a place in the Round of 16.

However, not everything has gone smoothly. Sebastián Driussi goal against Urawathe team second of the match came at a cost: the forward injured his left ankle after a collision with the opposing goalkeeper. His absence will be felt, and all eyes are now on Mastantuono, who has already signed with Real Madrid and is playing his final matches in the iconic River jersey.

Ramos Leading Monterrey Dream Run

On Monterrey side, Sergio Ramos team surprised many by drawing 1–1 against Inter Milan in their debut, a result that reshaped Group E outlook. If Rayados manage to beat River, their place in the next round would be virtually secured, as they’ll finish the group stage against the weaker Japanese side.

Ramos, who scored and was named MVP in the match against Inter, previewed the clash by saying it would be “a match to fight until the final minute,” and praised his opponents’ mentality: “That’s what Argentine blood brings.”

A Clash with History… in Friendlies

River Plate and Monterrey have never met in an official match before. They’ve faced each other three times in friendlies: a 1–1 draw in 2024, a 1–0 win for River in 2023, and a 1–0 victory for Monterrey back in 2002.

This will also be Rayados first official match against an Argentine club. River, however, have more experience against Mexican sides: 18 official matches, with 5 wins, 5 losses, and 8 draws. Their most memorable encounter came in the 2015 Copa Libertadores final, where they defeated Tigres UANL.

Overall, Mexican and Argentine clubs have faced off 96 times in official competitions. Argentine teams lead the head-to-head with 40 wins, compared to 28 for Mexican clubs, with 28 draws. The goal difference is also in favor of the South Americans: 146 to 107.

Madrid Past and Future Go Head to Head

This match has a special appeal thanks to the stars leading each side: Sergio Ramos, a Real Madrid legend, captains Monterrey; Franco Mastantuono, the young prodigy set to join Madrid future, stars for River. It’s a thrilling showdown where the past and the future of the world’s most decorated club collide.